Thai cave rescue: Diver who lost his life praised as "hero"

The diver who died during the rescue operation to save a soccer team from a flooded Thai cave has received an outpouring of gratitude and love on social media.

With confirmation that all 12 boys and their soccer coach have now been saved, social media was full of praise for the entire team behind the rescue operation – but also acknowledged the passing of Saman Kunan.

As the last of the divers exited the cave, a moment shared by the Thai Navy SEALs on their Facebook page, the reaction around the world ranged from amazement at the miraculous rescue, to pride in the actions of Saman Kunan.

The 38-year-old former Thai navy SEAL died on July 6 while placing oxygen along the underground cave system to aid the stranded Wild Boars soccer team.

'Thai Navy SEALs came out safely. Hooyah Hooyah Hooyah,' the group posted on Facebook. (Facebook)

In remembering her late husband, Kunan’s wife Waleeporn told BBC: “It’s like I’ve died, but I’m still alive”.

“But I use pride to repress my sadness.”

Many Facebook and Twitter users shared photos of Kunan and described his actions as heroic.